Food shortages affecting refugees

The United Nations on Friday appealed for funds to feed millions of refugees in Africa, where they have been forced to cut back rations drastically in some countries. “The reductions in rations that have resulted because of this lack of donor support – and I must note here that funding problems are not unique to WFP – are hurting refugees and surrounding communities throughout Africa,” UNHCR spokesman, Ron Redmond said at a media briefing in Geneva on Friday. Redmond said that programmes to feed refugees in Guinea, Zambia, Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Tanzania were among the worst hit. “There are also growing fears of lawlessness as hungry refugees are left to forage on their own in surrounding communities. Food-related security incidents in refugee camps are also being reported. Just as worrisome are reports that some refugees, desperate to feed their families, are returning on their own to their homes in extremely insecure areas in search of food,” Redmond added.